Applied Biosystems discovers tumour-blocking miRNAs

Applied Biosystems has discovered that microRNA molecules known as miRNAs may be able to prevent tumours from growing.

The research, conducted in collaboration with Howard Hughes Medical Institute, focused on the p53 gene associated with the development of tumours.

Dr Caifu Chen, director of science at Applied Biosystems and co-author of the report, said: "This study marks the first time that researchers have compared expression of miRNAs in cell samples that contain copies of the gene."

"Because of the success of this research, we now know that miRNAs have a tumour suppressor function," Dr Chen added.

The miR-34 family was identified as appearing in low quantities in tumour cells, with the researchers suggesting that further investigation could highlight the direct influence between miR-34 and the p53 gene.

Applied Biosystems recently announced the opening of a 10,000 sq ft facility to deal with support requests from its life science customers.